Liberty Justice Center Sues Trump Over Tariffs, Urgent Court Battle Looms

BREAKING: The Liberty Justice Center has just announced a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his sweeping tariffs, escalating tensions in a developing legal battle that could redefine government power. This urgent case comes as small businesses across America voice their opposition to these economic measures, claiming they are unconstitutional and harmful.

Since taking office in January, Trump has faced numerous legal challenges, but this lawsuit marks a significant clash between a conservative advocacy group and his administration’s economic policy. The Liberty Justice Center, a nonprofit known for championing individual rights, argues that Trump’s tariffs exceed the authority granted to him under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

According to Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, the decision to file the lawsuit was inspired by a blog post from law professor Ilya Somin, who outlined the legal grounds against the tariffs. “This case is about enforcing constitutional limits on government overreach,” Schwab stated.

On April 2, 2025, Trump unveiled his tariffs during a White House event, dubbing it “Liberation Day.” Following this announcement, Schwab and Somin sought out small business owners willing to join the fight against what they deemed arbitrary economic measures. The response was overwhelming, with Schwab interviewing approximately 50 small business owners before selecting five to serve as plaintiffs, including a wine importer and a cycling apparel manufacturer.

Just after filing the lawsuit in New York’s Court of International Trade, a panel of judges ruled unanimously in May that the tariffs were illegal. Trump’s administration promptly appealed, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the initial ruling, allowing the tariffs to remain while the case proceeds to the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, Neal Katyal, former Acting Solicitor General, is set to argue the case before the Supreme Court, making this a pivotal moment for separation of powers in the U.S. legal landscape. Legal experts, including Oliver Dunford from the Pacific Legal Foundation, suggest this case could set a precedent on the extent of executive power regarding tariffs, which could affect virtually every imported product.

“This kind of arbitrary rulemaking is not new, but the scale is unprecedented,” Dunford warned, highlighting the potential implications for the economy and small businesses nationwide.

As this urgent legal battle unfolds, the stakes are high for small businesses and government authority alike. With court proceedings in motion, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court this week as it hears arguments that could reshape the landscape of executive power in America.

This case is a clear reflection of the ongoing struggle between individual rights and government authority, and it has resonated deeply with the small business community. The outcome could not only impact Trump’s tariffs but also set critical legal standards for future presidential actions.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of this case are significant, potentially affecting millions of Americans and the economy at large.